A creative problem solver, designer, and leader

About Me

I’m a design leader who’s driven by solving business problems and building great products to make people’s lives easier. Design is a collaborative, repeatable process that delivers an intentional solution to problems within technical and timing constraints. I love bringing teams together in this process and delivering great UX outcomes for the users that in turn drive our business goals.

After starting a path towards astrophysics I made a switch to focus on more creative outlets. I obtained my Master’s degree in Interactive Media and now blend critical problem solving, technical skills, and creative abilities towards developing great design in technology.

My background spans SaaS enterprise applications, consumer-facing UX, mobile apps, and growth design focused on acquisition and lead flows. Much of my career has been rooted in the FinTech space, where I’ve tackled complex problems across both B2B and B2C experiences. Alongside core product design work, I’ve contributed to research, branding, marketing strategy, and web design and development, bringing a holistic, cross-functional perspective to every project.

Outside of work I’m an astronomy enthusiast, foodie, LEGO builder, sports fan, and movie quoter. You’ll likely find me spending time with my family, reading a book, or playing a video game.

 

Areas of Expertise

Leadership

UX Strategy

UX Research

Team Scaling

Design Thinking

Design Systems

Web Accessibility

Enterprise Design

Design Workshops

User Centered Design

8+ years of design leadership

50+ designers directly managed

140+ designers mentored

12 direct reports at one time

Management Responsibilities

  • Hiring & Growth

    I’ve been responsible for the hiring and growth of product design teams. I’ve worked to create hiring/interview process, involved closely with recruiting, and created new positions to allow for continued growth of the design team. This includes creating a team culture of growth and opportunity.

  • Mentoring & Coaching

    Helping team members work through personal and professional development is crucial to expand the capabilities of the team. I work with designers to mentor and coach them in their growth as people and designers. I’ve been lucky to grow and promote designers into positions such as Design Management and UX Strategists.

  • Design Ops

    Design is a repeatable and measured process. I’ve built and oversaw design process including documentation methods, design workshops, rituals, meetings, and best practices. I’ve also been responsible for budgeting and obtaining design tools and resources needed for our team to be successful.

  • Design Evangelism

    Since design is collaborative, I’ve worked across roles and departments to help educate others on the role and value of design. This has been done through presentations, onboarding materials, regular collaboration, and bringing other folks into the design process. Increasing design maturity is essential for making great product experiences.

  • Product Lifecycle

    In addition to working on product design process and best practices for teams, I work closely with other department roles such as Product and Engineering to ensure close collaboration during the product lifecycle. This involves an understanding of roles, responsibilities, strengths, and different perspectives to create a culture of partnership towards the goal of creating a product that delivers value.

  • Vision & Strategy

    Having a goal in mind helps set the required journey. I’ve had the opportunity to help set vision and strategy for product design teams, product roadmaps, and other initiatives such as design systems, mobile strategy, and accessibility strategy. Much of this work involves collaboration and buy in from cross functional teams across many roles and departments.

Product Certifications

  • Pragmatic Certified Product Manager

    Achieved by completing certifications for the Foundations, Focus, Design, and Build training.

  • Pragmatic Institute: Foundations

    Understanding and implementing market driven insight to solve the right problems at the right time.

  • Pragmatic Institute: Focus

    Identifying and presenting the right product strategies to build an effective vision and plan.

  • Pragmatic Institute: Design

    Fostering innovation through a user-centered design process to drive a delightful user experience.

  • Pragmatic Institute: Build

    Building targeted solutions prioritized by impact through seamless collaboration with development teams.

  • Pragmatic Institute: Market

    Building buyer expertise in order to create effective marketing campaigns that connects business to buyers.

Education

  • Masters, Interactive Media

    Elon University, 2014

  • B.A. Communication Studies

    University of North Carolina, 2009

Testimonials

  • “He's an excellent leader and I was able to put my trust in him to take care of the people on his team and guide product design and strategy."

    Amy Jiménez Márquez, VP Product Design

  • “He has an innate ability to lead in the midst of chaotic changes, remaining a rock of calmness while bringing humor to the team, making him a compassionate and strategic leader.”

    Renn Jarrett, Staff Product Designer

  • "Craig’s product mindset, focus on team culture, and dedication to the design system make him an exceptional design leader and invaluable partner."

    Melinda Chu, Staff Product Designer

  • "He empowered his team by building a foundation that allowed them to make decisions and learn without his constant oversight. This enabled his team to be autonomous when needed, but they always knew he was there when his help was required."

    Jeff Stoller, Director Product Mgmt

  • "He's one of the most thoughtful and supportive leaders I've worked with."

    Elise Brown, Staff Product Designer

  • "The best part about working with Craig is his passion for mentoring and developing those who report to him."

    Natalie Nichols, Sr Content Designer

View More Testimonials